The Australian Senate has passed a landmark legislation that will make it illegal for children under 16 to create social media accounts on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Snapchat. The government has agreed to pass the bill, despite concerns from critics that the ban may harm vulnerable children who rely on social media for support. The bill also includes privacy protections to prevent platforms from requiring government-issued identification or digital identification through government systems. While the House of Representatives still needs to approve amendments made in the Senate, the ban is expected to be enforced within a year, with hefty fines for platforms that fail to comply.
In a groundbreaking move, the Australian Senate has passed legislation that will prohibit children under the age of 16 from opening social media accounts on platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and Snapchat. The bill garnered significant support from the government, despite concerns from critics.
Social media use among young Australians has been a growing concern in recent years. Studies have shown that excessive social media usage can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including cyberbullying, mental health issues, and addiction.
The Australian government has been considering legislation to address these concerns for some time. In 2021, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) launched an inquiry into the impact of social media on children.
The new legislation, known as the Social Media Protection Act 2023, contains several key provisions:
Despite the government's support for the bill, some critics have expressed concerns. They argue that the ban may harm vulnerable children who rely on social media for support. For instance, children who are experiencing bullying or mental health issues may rely on social media to connect with others and access information.
The bill has now passed the Senate and will proceed to the House of Representatives for its consideration. If approved by the House, the legislation is expected to be enforced within a year.
1. Why is the Australian government implementing this ban?
To address concerns about the negative impacts of social media on children, including cyberbullying, mental health issues, and addiction.
2. Which social media platforms will be affected by the ban?
Platforms that are intended for users over the age of 16, such as TikTok, Facebook, and Snapchat.
3. How will platforms verify the age of users?
Platforms will be required to develop methods to verify the age of users before allowing them to create an account. This may involve requesting a government-issued identification document or using other age verification methods.
4. What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Platforms that fail to comply with the legislation could face substantial fines.
5. When will the ban go into effect?
The ban is expected to be enforced within a year, pending the approval of the House of Representatives.
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